Patrick Thomas
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Random Audio Sample: Concerto No. 2 for mandolin and orchestra : chamber orchestra by Eric Gross, from the CD Shade of summer |
Orchestral conductor, flautist and writer, Patrick Thomas MBE has had a distinguished career in music spanning 60 years. Originally from Brisbane, Thomas made some of his first appearances as a flautist with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and eventually went on to become the orchestra's only ever homegrown chief conductor thus far. He founded and conducted the Patrick Thomas Singers in Brisbane and in 1964 went on to be appointed resident conductor of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust Opera Company and the Australian Ballet.
Thomas has worked with numerous Australian orchestras and was guest conductor internationally with the Moscow Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Prague Radio Orchestra among others. Throughout his life he has remained a fierce advocate for new music and Australian talent and in 1998 he was the first Australian conductor to become an honorary life member of the Fellowship of Australian Composers.
In 2010, Thomas published a book of autobiography and poetry Upbeats and downbeats: a conductor's life (2010).
Articles by and about Patrick Thomas
Lindsay Aked, NSW's 'Mr Chips of Music' (1930-2010) by Patrick Thomas
Music teachers come and go. Some create an impact and leave a worthy legacy; others, though competent, struggle to make a lasting impression. One distinguished teacher in the former category was Lindsay Aked.
Art Music Awards 2011 - Distinguished Services Award to Hopkins and Thomas by Australian Music Centre
The Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) and the Australian Music Centre (AMC) are delighted to release names of the recipients of the Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music. In 2011, this award will be shared between two outstanding and inspiring members of the Australian music community, conductors John Hopkins OBE and Patrick Thomas MBE. The recipients of this Award were determined by the Board of Directors of APRA and the AMC.
The awards ceremony will be held at Sydney Theatre, Walsh Bay next Tuesday, 3 May 2011.
Art Music Awards 2011 - John Hopkins and Patrick Thomas (presentation speeches) by Benjamin Northey and Martin Buzacott
Winners of the inaugural Art Music Awards announced by Australian Music Centre
Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) and the Australian Music Centre (AMC) have announced the winners of the inaugural Art Music Awards, the only national event in Australia to acknowledge the enormous achievement and creative successes of Australian performers and composers in the genres of contemporary art music, jazz and experimental music.
The gala event held at the Sydney Theatre, Walsh Bay on Tuesday 3rd May 2011 honoured winners across nine national categories and seven State Awards, spanning performance, composition, outstanding contributions to Australian music by individuals and organisations, music education and regional music. An additional Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music, as determined by the Board of Directors of APRA and the AMC, was also presented.
Works by Patrick Thomas
Patrick Thomas is not an Australian Music Centre represented artist, however the following works can be found in our collection:
Of life and music, Edward Elgar, op. 283 by Eric Gross
Centaur by Colin Brumby
Marty the masked owl by Lindsay Aked
Works commissioned by Patrick Thomas
Works commissioned and written for Patrick Thomas
CDs, Books and Kits featuring Patrick Thomas
View all CDs, Books and Kits featuring Patrick Thomas
Sheet music: Tempus fugit / Lindsay Aked ; poem: Patrick Thomas.
Article: James Penberthy (3 May 1917 - 30 March 1999) / Patrick Thomas.
Sheet music: Conversation - C.A.D. / music: Lindsay Aked ; poem: Patrick Thomas.
CD: Patrick Thomas conducts the Adelaide Singers in compositions by Eric Gross / Eric Gross.
World premieres given by Patrick Thomas
Piano concerto No. 1 : full orchestra by Colin Brumby— 1985 (ABC Studio, Perth)
Festival overture on Australian themes : full orchestra by Colin Brumby— 17 Jan 82 (Adelaide Town Hall)
Concerto for flute and orchestra : flute with orchestra by Colin Brumby— 9 Mar 76 (Brisbane City Hall)
Concerto for violin and orchestra, op. 21 : violin with orchestra by Raymond Hanson— 5 Apr 75 (ABC Modern Music Forum, Mayne Hall, University of Queensland, Brisbane)
Mountain village in a clearing mist : for orchestra by Ross Edwards— 1974 (Adelaide Festival of the Arts)
Concerto for piano & orchestra : piano with orchestra by Raymond Hanson— 18 Oct 72 (Tenth International Congress of Accountants, Sydney Town Hall)
Music for Bali : for strings and percussion by Peter Sculthorpe— 2 May 68
Sonata for flute and piano : flute with piano by Miriam Hyde— 18 Aug 62 (Brisbane)